February Member Monday Recap
Meet Krystle Steinhoff of Thrive Early Learning
Hi, I’m Krystle, a wife, mom of two boys, attorney, and the Founder and CEO of Thrive Early Learning, a veteran owned early childhood education program. I lead a team of more than 60 employees and am deeply passionate about building strong cultures, scalable systems, and people first organizations. I believe great leadership is rooted in integrity, clarity, and faith, and my goal is to create environments where both teams and families can truly thrive.
When we first started sending our boys to childcare, I struggled deeply with drop offs. The environments didn’t feel joyful, and the people caring for my children didn’t seem fulfilled or passionate about the work they were doing. Knowing how critical the first five years of life are for brain growth and development, I couldn’t ignore that feeling. In March 2020, I made the bold decision to step away from practicing law so I could ensure my children, and others, received the quality early childhood education they deserve.
As CEO of Thrive, I intentionally put our teachers first. This does not mean children aren’t the priority. They absolutely are, and their safety and wellbeing are paramount. I firmly believe that in order for children to thrive, they must be surrounded by adults who are thriving. When our teachers thrive, our children thrive. When our children thrive, parents thrive. And when parents can confidently drop off their children without experiencing paralyzing anxiety, the entire community thrives.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined The Southern C because I believe collaboration happens among those at the top. As a CEO, I value being in rooms where women are secure enough in who they are to collaborate openly, share wisdom, and genuinely cheer each other on. While I have a strong network of CEO peers nationwide, I was craving meaningful local connections, and Southern C provides a community grounded in faith, connection, and growth.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
One of my favorite small businesses to support is Emily McCarthy. When I wear her designs, I feel confident, polished, and fully myself. That confidence is priceless. I am intentional about supporting women owned, purpose driven businesses that empower women to show up boldly in their everyday lives.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
At this stage of life and leadership, my inspiration comes from stillness, purpose, and people. Time with my family, intentional conversations, and moments of reflection give me the clarity I need to lead well and stay aligned with what truly matters. I am deeply inspired by helping others see the best in themselves and step confidently into who they were created to be. I am also continually inspired by my two sons, who remind me daily to lead with curiosity, humility, and heart. They ground me in perspective and motivate me to build a life and business rooted in faith, integrity, and impact. I have learned that sustainable growth and inspired leadership come from alignment, not constant motion.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
The best business advice I have ever received is to build something that serves people exceptionally well and success will follow. When you focus on culture, relationships, and long term vision instead of short term wins, you create something that lasts and grows with integrity.
Meet Haley Murray of Feather and Vine Design
Hey y’all! I am Haley Murray, proprietor of Feather and Vine Design. I have been doing freelance Interior Design and Renovation projects for over 30 years. I also have a degree in Public Relations and experience in Retail Sales Management. I am currently moving from Amelia Island, FL to Dallas, TX. I am interested in working part time for a business in the creative field, whether it is Interior Design, Art, Fashion or PR.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC to network with other women in the creative industry. I am passionate about women supporting each other, especially in the business world.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
On Amelia Island there are many small businesses that depend on local support, and my favorites include Twisted Sisters, a female owned fashion boutique, and The Resale Project, a female owned antiques consignment business.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I’ve always been inspired by classic, timeless style. As a young girl, walking into
My inspiration comes from everywhere, but especially from magazines like Garden and Gun, Frederic, Veranda and House Beautiful. I also follow amazing business owners like Elyce Arons and Gen Sohr. Paula Wallace, the founder of the Savannah College of Art and Design, was my elementary school gifted teacher, and she has remained my biggest influence throughout my life.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
The best business advice I have received is to allow my clients to pay me! I haven’t ever accepted payment thus far, but am excited about taking my skills to the next level, beyond family and friends.
Meet Claire O’Bryan of Skin Clique
Claire O’Bryan is a nurse practitioner and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women and amplifying the voices of female healthcare and business leaders globally. As the co-founder of Skin Clique, a pioneering concierge medical aesthetic company, Claire has helped revolutionize the industry by bringing high-quality skincare services directly to patients’ homes. Since its inception in 2019, Skin Clique has expanded to 42 states, with a network of over 750 advanced practice providers. A respected national speaker and skincare expert, Claire combines her medical expertise with entrepreneurial vision to drive innovation in healthcare and champion women’s leadership in the field.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I love nothing more than helping women understand their place and value in business. I’ve watched so many business owners and fellow entrepreneurs over the years through TSC, and every single year when I’d see The Southern C content come through I’d think “I’ve got to do this, these are my people” – but just somehow put it off. This year I finally got my act together and am so excited to go to The Southern C Summit and meet these women in person.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
Hampden Clothing is my go to a perfect outfit to keep me feeling confident during a big event or meeting. Anfisa is my favorite small skincare brand right now, with the best lip gloss! Dear Georgie, Minnow and Pink Chicken for my girls.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I love seeing what other lifestyle brands are doing and saying “how can our business come alongside them and make everyone’s offerings even better”. Collaboration.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
“Let them bury themselves”. When you know you’re in the right, the hardest thing to do can be to step back and let things happen – including failure. I used to want to jump into every conversation and defend my opinions or give “my side” of the story. Once I learned to step back, it was life changing for me, my business and my anxiety level.
Meet Lee Bogle of Southern Sideboard
Lee Bogle is the founder of Southern Sideboard, a small-batch gourmet company specializing in classic Southern cheese straws and pecan sandies. After spending more than two decades in nonprofit and political fundraising, Lee embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and launched Southern Sideboard in January 2020—just weeks before attending her first Southern C Summit.
https://www.southernsideboard.com/our-story
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined the TSC to connect with other women, share knowledge, and learn something! I’ve attended a few summits on Sea Island and looking forward to reconnecting with such a supportive group of women.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love buying gifts and handmade items on Etsy to support small businesses. I have also enjoyed watching past TSC presenters and attendees grow their businesses. I love the Old Whaling Company’s products, Red Clay Hot Sauce, and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. I also like the home decor items by Charlotte artists Laura Park and Windy O’Connor.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I’m inspired by traveling and seeing new places, which I attempt to do as often as possible. I also love to walk on the beach to clear my head.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You’ll only regret the things you didn’t do, not what you did, even if it failed.
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